the united nations voted overwhelmingly this afternoon to recognize the palestinian territories as a state. something palestinians have as a sight. something palestinians have sought for generations, but a diplomatic setback for the u.s. and israel. th the territories on the west bank, the jordan river, and along the gaza strip are home to palestinians displaced by the war that created israel in 1948. today's vote doesn't create an independent palestine. that would have to come in negotiations with israel. jim axelrod is at the u.n. for us tonight. jim. >> reporter: well, scott, the palestinian authority become just the second non-member state designated by the united nations. the vatican is the other. the palestinians are viewing this elevation of status as an historic step, just to have any kind of recognition of statehood. palestinian authority president mahmoud abbas, who was also the first palestinian authority prime minister, rejected last- minute appeals from the united states to reconsider his push for this recognition. >> ( translated ): the united nations general assembly i